Curriculum
Course: Pollution
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Pollution

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Text lesson

Air pollution

What are the causes of air pollution? Air pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the air. Much of the air pollution in our environment is caused by people. Some of the causes of air pollution include: Burning fossil fuels: Petroleum, natural gas and coal are examples of fossil fuels. We burn fossil fuels to use them as a source of energy. Most of our motor vehicles. boats and airplanes use fossil fuels. Also, many power plants burn fossil fuels to generate electricity. Some industries burn fossil fuels for energy as well. Burning fossil fuels releases several harmful pollutants into the air including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

Vehicle exhaust is a major source of air pollution.
  Industries:  Many manufacturing industries release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Some industries burn fossil fuels as a source of energy. Others burn wood or other organic matter. Some industries release smoke or other harmful substances into the atmosphere. Also, quarries often release large amounts of dust into the air.
Some factories release pollutants into the air.
  Agriculture: Some of the pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals which are sprayed over crops cause air pollution. They can cause health issues. Livestock such as cows and sheep also contribute to air pollution as their waste releases gases such as ammonia and nitrous oxides into the air.
Some pesticides and herbicides can pollute the air.
  Burning waste: Some people choose to burn their garbage. This causes air pollution as burning garbage may release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. This can cause various health problems.
Burning garbage can release toxic substances into the air.
  How does air pollution affect us? Clean air is very important for our health. If the air we breathe is polluted it can cause various health problems. Some of these health problems are listed below.

  • Fine particles in the air can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.
  • Some air pollutants, including some pesticides, can cause headaches, dizziness or nausea.
  • Air pollution can cause bronchitis or pneumonia.
  • Air pollution can make diseases such as asthma, heart disease or lung disease worse.
  • Breathing polluted air over many years can cause lung cancer and respiratory diseases like emphysema. It can also cause damage to the brain, liver, kidneys and other organs.